The knockout bracket in the FIFA World Cup 2026 is starting to take shape, according to Al Jazeera. The round of 32 will run from June 28 to July 3. Teams including Mexico, the USA, and Germany have already qualified for this stage of the tournament.
What happened
The progress for the knockout stage comes after teams competed fiercely during the group stages. The tournament introduced a new round of 32, expanding from the previous format of 32 teams to include 48 teams. The top two teams in each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-place finishers, qualify for the knockouts, according to reports.[1]
Mexico became the first team to qualify for the knockouts with a 1-0 victory over South Korea on June 18. Following them, the USA punched their ticket after defeating Australia 2-0 on June 19. Germany secured their place by winning against Ivory Coast 2-1 on June 20.[3]
The knockout phase begins with the round of 32, introduced for the first time at a World Cup after the expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams.
Why it matters
The expansion aims to increase global representation and competitiveness at the World Cup. This change allows for more diversity among participating nations, potentially changing the dynamics of international football. The eight best third-place teams are also provided an opportunity to advance, creating an exciting twist in the knockout round.
Background
On June 11, 2026, the tournament commenced with a group stage that will last until June 27. The knockout phase is a key highlight of the World Cup, providing thrilling matchups that can determine the trajectory of teams. FIFA has also introduced head-to-head records as the primary tie-breaker for teams level on points for the first time in World Cup history.
What’s next
The round of 32 will commence on June 28, with matches scheduled until July 3, followed by the round of 16 from July 4 to 7.[2]
